Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Babin - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful and very quiet to drive. Great gas milage. I get 23 mpg in the city and 29 on trips at a constant speed of 70 mph. The seat are comfortable and roomy. The truck is large and has easy access. I would recommend this car for families with young children and teenages.

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  just like a lexus - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By daphne - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I Love my car, once i sat in it at the dealers, my mind was made up,the interior is so nice with the cherrywood grain ahhh, sweet,hey the car is noticed where ever Im at, I get the same question, what kind of car is that? and boy is it nice, oh yea the solara, is my lexus and i would not have it any other way, daphne

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  04 Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Veto - March 21 - 10:00 am

  A really nice truck, that is not only professional looking but sporty. A true champion.

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  solara 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hope - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car...i get so many compliments!

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  Prius - the way to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By B2_bill - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of ever not driving a taoyota hybrid

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  Super Car For Pet Sitting Business - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By C.Vinal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a Pet Sitters dream for gas milage and dependabilaity. Here in Maine my customers are far apart, so I really save on gas. I cant say enough good things about this car. Its great for a business car.

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  Fantastic by any standard - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By evanfusco - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if it suits your needs, by any standard. The nit picking reviews that youve read are basicly just looking for something to pick on. Drive this car like any other car and expect 45mpg. Drive carefully and learn the techniques and 55 is attainable often. Its too much fun to describe. The smark key system is a MUST!!

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  Best Truck I have ever driven. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eissac337 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with this truck...best car-buying decision I have ever made. I know other people who also own tacomas...we are all very much satisfied. I have never needed warranty service thus far.

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  Traded in JGC for a V6 SR5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeep24Rnr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had a JGC 5.2L AWD with reliability problems but otherwise OK experience. Traded it in for a new 04 SR5. Compared with the Jeep, it is much more refined, but engin is a bit wimpy. I am suprised by the 0-60 of 8.2s results on the V6 4Rnr. With 1500 miles, so far no big problems. But there are several things that should not have been there: (1) steering wheel felt a bit shaking at 65mph, not consistently present. (2) Plastic casing for the RoofRack that contains the joint to the roof was NOT snapped in => had to snap in myself. (3) Wind noises are a bit more than I expected, there is some hint of hi- pitch wind whistling from pass window, Have not decided to take to the dealers yet.

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  I Love My "Yota" - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SueBhunnie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is easy to handle on the road. The ride it prevides is quiet and smooth. All controls are easily accessible. Seats are confortable. The interior is quality crafted